Code of Ethics
Purpose and Scope
FISLA is committed to integrity, fairness, and professional responsibility in its governance, relationships, and activities.
Work in sports law affects people’s careers, rights, reputations, and opportunities. Those involved in this field therefore carry responsibilities that extend beyond technical expertise. How they exercise judgment, handle information, and treat others matters to the credibility of the profession and the institutions it serves.
This Code sets out the ethical standards expected of FISLA’s officers, members, representatives, and those contributing to or participating in its activities, according to their roles. It also provides a reference for cooperation with partners.
These principles guide the Federation’s educational programmes, research, publications, committees, competitions, communications, and official representation. They complement the legal, professional, academic, and regulatory obligations applicable to individuals and institutions
Core Ethical Principles
Integrity
Those involved in FISLA activities are expected to act honestly and responsibly. Information, qualifications, affiliations, and professional achievements must be represented accurately. Conduct should be consistent with the standards the Federation promotes.
Respect for the Rule of Law
FISLA supports respect for applicable laws and regulations, fair procedures, and reasoned decision-making. Sporting authority should be exercised within clear legal and institutional boundaries, with proper regard for the rights of those affected.
Fairness and Justice
Decisions should be based on relevant facts and applicable rules, with fair consideration given to those affected. Discrimination, arbitrary treatment, and misuse of authority are inconsistent with this Code.
Independence and Impartiality
Professional judgment should remain free from improper personal, political, commercial, or institutional influence. Those serving in roles that require impartiality must disclose circumstances that could reasonably call it into question and address them appropriately.
Transparency and Accountability
Responsibilities and decision-making processes should be clear. Those exercising authority are expected to explain their decisions through appropriate channels and accept responsibility for their conduct, while respecting legitimate confidentiality requirements.
Good Governance and Institutional Responsibility
FISLA supports clear mandates, effective oversight, responsible use of resources, and appropriate checks on authority. Institutional decisions should take account of long-term interests and the people affected by them.
Respect for Human Dignity
Everyone involved in FISLA activities should be treated with dignity and courtesy, regardless of nationality, gender, age, disability, belief, background, or professional standing. Respect must be maintained in working relationships, educational settings, discussions, and formal proceedings.
Protection of Rights
FISLA promotes awareness of the rights of athletes and others involved in sport, including fair treatment, contractual and legal protections, privacy, and access to effective remedies. Particular care should be taken where unequal power or access to resources may leave individuals at a disadvantage.
Professional Competence
Members and representatives should undertake responsibilities with appropriate knowledge, preparation, and care. They are expected to recognize the limits of their expertise, seek specialist input when needed, and describe their qualifications and experience accurately.
Ethical Leadership
Those in leadership positions are expected to demonstrate the standards they ask others to follow. This includes using authority responsibly, considering concerns fairly, addressing mistakes, and accepting scrutiny of their decisions.
Academic and Research Integrity
Research, teaching, and publications should reflect accuracy, proper attribution, sound methods, and honest reporting. Plagiarism, fabricated information, misleading authorship claims, and deliberate distortion of findings are incompatible with FISLA’s standards.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Respectful Participation
FISLA values contributions from different legal systems, cultures, and professional backgrounds. Its activities should encourage meaningful participation and respectful debate, including disagreement expressed without harassment, humiliation, or personal attacks.
Responsible Innovation and Digital Ethics
Digital tools and artificial intelligence should be used with appropriate care for accuracy, privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and potential bias. Those using these tools remain responsible for reviewing their outputs and exercising the professional judgment their work requires.
Conflicts of Interest
Actual, potential, or reasonably perceived conflicts of interest should be identified and disclosed to the appropriate person or body. They must be managed in a way that protects independent judgment and confidence in the process. Where adequate safeguards are unavailable, the person concerned should withdraw from the relevant decision or activity.
Confidentiality and Responsible Use of Information
Confidential, sensitive, and non-public information should be accessed, used, and shared only for legitimate and authorized purposes. It must not be exploited for personal advantage. Information should be handled in accordance with applicable confidentiality and data protection obligations.
International Cooperation
Cooperation should be based on mutual respect, clearly understood responsibilities, and recognition of different legal and institutional contexts. Participants should honour agreed commitments and acknowledge the contributions of their partners.
Safeguarding and Prevention of Abuse
Abuse, harassment, exploitation, and intimidation are incompatible with FISLA’s values. Safeguarding concerns should be taken seriously and addressed through appropriate procedures, with particular attention to children and people in vulnerable situations. Responses should respect the safety, dignity, and procedural rights of those involved.
Responsible Communication and Representation
Anyone communicating on behalf of FISLA must do so accurately and within the scope of their authority. Personal opinions should be distinguished from official positions where confusion may arise. The Federation’s name, logo, and affiliations must not be used in a misleading or unauthorized manner.
Our Commitment
FISLA is committed to making these principles part of its everyday work, from programme planning and committee activities to partnerships and public communications. Members and representatives are expected to apply this Code in good faith, seek guidance when responsibilities are unclear, and raise ethical concerns through appropriate channels. Where obligations appear to conflict, the circumstances should be considered carefully, with regard to applicable rules and the rights of everyone affected.
The Federation’s credibility depends on how consistently these standards are reflected in its decisions and conduct.